Over the years people have asked what event or events do we need to watch for as we anticipate the return of the Lord. Interestingly, according to Scripture, it is not a specific event, but a general attitude culturally and globally. In order to understand this attitude we need to examine scripture to get the picture that God is painting in His Word. I would start with Matthew 24:37-39, “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark. And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” This passage speaks of the suddenness of the return. No one will know the day or hour, but will be occupied in the ordinary things of life. This passage reveals the carelessness and lack of watchfulness for His return. Those living at the time will be so busy with the “cares of this life” that the day of His return will come upon them unawares. Today, most people believe that Jesus will return, but they are not watching for it, they believe that it will not happen in their lifetimes, or at least not for many days from now. The reality is that many are caught up in their own lives, and are unconcerned about the events of the future. We must understand that the time is growing short! Will it be in our lifetimes, that the Lord returns. I would remind you that the 1st century church believed it would happen in their lifetime, so we can conclude that it is closer today than it has ever been. Why not our lifetimes? It will be in the lifetime of some believers, why not ours. The challenge this verse brings to us is to remember that the time is short, we must live today to the fullest, and redeem the time in our opportunities to serve the Lord and bring glory to Him.
